A devastating landslide in the village of Cibeunying, located in Cilacap, Central Java, has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals. The Indonesian disaster management agency reported on Thursday that rescue teams are currently searching for 12 people who remain unaccounted for. The incident occurred following heavy rainfall, which has significantly increased the risk of such disasters during the country’s wet season.
The landslide struck on Thursday, burying a number of houses under debris. According to agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari, rescue efforts are complicated by the depth at which victims are buried, estimated to be between three and eight metres. “Eleven people have been found dead, three yesterday and eight more today. Twelve people are still missing,” Muhari stated in an interview with Reuters.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to locate those trapped under the rubble. The challenging conditions, characterized by unstable ground and ongoing rain, have hampered progress. Local authorities are coordinating with national agencies to ensure that resources are available for both rescue efforts and support for affected families.
Indonesia has been experiencing heavy rainfall due to its wet season, which officially began in September and is expected to last until April. This period poses a heightened risk of floods and landslides, as seen in a previous incident earlier this year. In January, another landslide in the Central Java city of Pekalongan resulted in the tragic loss of at least 25 lives, highlighting the dangers associated with extreme weather events in the region.
As the search for the missing continues, the Indonesian government is facing increasing pressure to improve infrastructure and disaster response mechanisms in areas prone to such natural disasters. The local community in Cilacap is gathering to support families who have lost loved ones, underscoring the human impact of this tragic event.
The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of many communities in Indonesia to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season. As rescue efforts proceed, the focus remains on bringing closure to the families impacted by this landslide.
